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I would be hesitant about opposing aid, until it is determined that the Lebanese political leadership has not taken sufficient steps to punish those responsible for initiating the cross-border incident with Israel. In the event that such a political failure takes place, then perhaps blocking aid is appropriate. However, let's hope that the general condemnation of Lebanese actions concerning this incident will prompt the Lebanese political leadership to take action, so that Cantor's proposed step will not be necessary, and so that the United States can avoid undertaking an action that might inflame the Arab world, unjustified as such an inflammation might be.

To ensure that the Lebanese government takes the appropriate steps to respond to this incident, the Obama administration ought to undertake a campaign of private diplomacy, and while demands like those of Rep. Cantor might help the administration play a good cop role in any discussion with the Lebanese government, it is probably not the right time to initiate the policy Cantor is advocating.

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